Journalists at China’s state-owned news organs are not known for their enthusiasm for research. But here’s a case where an intrepid reporter from the Shanghai Star (an affiliate of the China Daily) went the extra mile to make sure he got all necessary information. The article is titled Face to face with a sex worker, and contains an unusual number of hard facts:
Xia [a sex worker] soon showed her “professionalism” to the Shanghai Star reporter, who went to the salon under the guise of a customer…
“Do you want Qiao Da Bei (body massage)?” Xia asked soon after she, with her boss’ nod, showed the reporter into a small backroom off the shabby salon and began massaging the reporter’s arms somewhat unskillfully.
Xia was referring to having sexual intercourse with her, which is supposed to take place in the apartment she rents, about five minutes’ walk away from the salon.
To Xia, Qiao Da Bei can be more profitable than fondling or Da Feiji (helping customers masturbate) which are supposed to be done in the backroom which also doubles as a dining room for Xia and her co-workers.
For sexual intercourse, Xia normally charges 150 yuan (US$18) per person of which 50 yuan will be handed to her boss. She receives 100 yuan (US$12) for each masturbation, from which the boss will deduct half as commission. A sex-free hair-wash and massage service costs 50 yuan (US$6) per hour at the salon.
Xia said the highest number of Qiao Da Bei services she had performed in one day was three and she once had a record six customers for masturbation.
“Most of our customers are middle-aged men in their 30s or 40s who work in Shanghai without their wives’ companionship,” said Xia.
The Shanghai Star article is on the China Daily website here.
UPDATE: Shanghai Eye has a similar take on journalistic standards in China, and has a cover scan of the Shanghai Star.